American Trail Trial-Horsemen's Association

Come and join the fun rides with the
ATTA sanctioned Trail Trials!

American Trail Trial-Horsemen's Association (ATTA) is an association that promotes the sports of horseback trail riding and trail trial riding and provides education, recognition and awards programs for riders and horses. ATTA IS THE ORIGINAL NATIONAL TRAIL TRIALS ASSOCIATION. Trial trial rides traditionally include trail obstacles for novice, intermediate, and advanced horseback riders and horses and also include noncompetative riders. Several age categories are offered to ride in. Non-members and non competative companion riders are welcome on all ATTA trail trial rides. Riders of different levels can ride together in one group. Trail trials are a great place for you and your horse to ride new country, meet great people, and have fun with family and friends while trying fun and challenging obstacles on the trail and winning great awards for you and your horse. Come ride with us.

It's easy to qualify for the ATTA 2016 year end awards

Be an ATTA 2016 member

Attend two ATTA sanctioned trail trials&

ATTA Grows

ATTA Grows into TENTH year of sanctioned rides.

ATTA is beginning its TENTH YEAR of sanctioning trail trials and its prestigious NATIONAL AWARDS program. We are well into our TENTH YEAR with growth in rides and membership. ATTA encourages ride organizers in any area to ask about ATTA sanctioning.

WHAT IS A TRAIL TRIAL?

A "Trail Trial ride" is an organized trail ride that includes obstacles and situations horse and rider might encounter on a trail ride. The ride is planned using the natural obstacles that already exist on a particular trail such as walking over logs, opening a gate, or maneuvering through a creek. While out on the trail, riders may also encounter obstacles such as birthday parties, family picnics, mountain bikes, llamas, hikers, etc. These may be considered obstacles also. Riders are judged individually and strictly on how well they negotiate their horse through and over obstacles with an emphasis on safety and calmness.

Trail Trials are not timed events. Riders may be given a time limit to ride through a particular obstacle so that riders behind don't get held back. Riders may ride as individuals or groups,and family participation is encouraged. Helmet use is recommended. Riders are required to have a halter and lead rope, or halter bridle and hoof pick with them. Safety for horse and rider is always emphasized.

Trail Trials consist of a trail ride, averaging 2-3 hours with 8-12 obstacles that would naturally occur in the setting where the ride is held. More examples are opening gates, a water crossing, drag, walk over logs, back up, small jump, slicker on and off, dismount, etc. As riders move along the designated trail ,they will encounter such marked obstacles and a judge for each obstacle. Each horse/rider team is scored at each obstacle. Trail trials are not timed competitions and riders can ride at their own pace. But riders are usually given a time limit to ride through a particular obstcle so that other riders won't have to wait. Judges usually give riders 3 attempts to do an obstacle. Riders may ride as an individual or in groups with family or friends. Trial trials are a great place to meet new friends. Any type of clothing that is appropriate for riding is acceptable. Long pants and shoes with heels are mandatory. Helmets are recommended for riders 18 and younger and suggested for all competitors. Some rides require helmets be worn by riders 18 and younger. A halter, lead rope, & hoof pick are mandatory. Any equine (horse, pony, or mule) over 3 years of age is eligible to compete. Any type of saddle and bridle or hackamore is acceptable. Safety and fun are always emphasized.